The dialogue was German, with initial translation by Andre. The ‘Ed’ has 'tidied it up' a bit...

A.K. Mark, can you tell me the difference between the training with Dynamo Dresden and Kaiserslautern under your new coach Friedel Rausch?

M.K. At Kaiserslautern we work much more with the ball then at Dresden. I can say that everything at Kaiserslautern is much more professional.

A.K. Did you know when you transferred to Kaiserslautern how hard it would be to be the number one 'keeper with Andreas Reinke and Gerald Ehrmann at the club?

M.K. Yes, nowhere its easy to work as a football player, the competition is great. Do you know a soccer club with two good goalkeepers like here in Kaiserslautern? I know I have to work hard to get a chance.

A.K. How did it feel to play for the first time in front of a fanatical crowd at the Fritz Walter Stadium at the Betzenberg?

M.K. It was unique to play before a crowd like the one at the Betzenberg. They are real fantastic.

A.K. Would you like at play longer in the Bundesliga or do you dream about a transfer into the English or Italian leagues?

M.K. At the moment I'm happy to play in Germany, but a chance to play in a foreign country is always interesting.

A.K. The best Australian goalies are moving to England: Bosnich, Kearton, Kalac. What do you think of your chances of playing for Australia? Are you still interested in playing for your country?

M.K. Yes! Of course I want to play for Australia. But I know that to get a chance, I first have to play every week in the Bundesliga.

A.K. Have you been in contact with Eddie Thomson since you moved to Germany?

M.K. I spoke to him just once, last year in Dresden.

A.K. Do you want to play for Australia in the coming World Cup qualifying matches (for 1998)?

M.K. Yes, it's my great aim to play for Australia in France.

A.K. Do you enjoy living in Germany?

M.K. It's okay. It's different here than in Australia, but its okay for my girlfriend and me. I know I have to do a job.

A.K. Thanks Mark, and good luck for the future.

Andre would like to thank ex-international Rainer Geye for giving him the opportunity to speak with Mark
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N.Z. I got some new football boots and after the last training session I had trouble with my feet. They are full of bubbles and its very painful to walk.

A.K. Oh, but every player knows he has to go with new boots into the bathtub!

N.Z. (Laughs) Now I know it! So I'll do it next time.

A.K. You played for QPR but you came back to Germany. What was the problem there?

N.Z. Yes, nobody understands that an Australian couldn't like living in London, but its true! I didn't feel well there, and from the first day I wanted to go back to Germany, so I was happy to move to Frankfurt.

A.K. You wanted to play libero in Dortmund but you didn't get many chances. At Frankfurt Manfred Binz is libero - do you still want to play in that position?

N.Z. I never said I have to play libero, that is a decision for the coach

A.K. But you like to play in this position...

N.Z. Yes, of course, its my favourite position. But I can also play in midfield. We have four or five weeks until the season restarts. I have to talk to the coach to find a solution.

A.K. Do you want to show Dortmund that it was a mistake to let you go to England?

N.Z. No, no. I had two more years on my contract at Dortmund but I wanted to move because I wanted to play soccer. Now I know it was a mistake to move to QPR but I am lucky to come back and have the chance to play in the Bundesliga again. Sorry, I have to go back to my team

A.K. Okay Ned, good luck for your career in Germany.